Hand 262 — Simple 3NT
Play this handThe Deal
North
♠
Q J 4
♥
K 10 7
♦
Q 8 4
♣
Q 7 5 2
West
♠
10 8 6 5 3
♥
9 5 2
♦
3 2
♣
A J 6
East
♠
9 2
♥
J 6 4 3
♦
A 10 7 6 5
♣
K 10
South
♠
A K 7
♥
A Q 8
♦
K J 9
♣
9 8 4 3
North: 10 HCP, 3-3-3-4 (bal)
East: 8 HCP, 2-4-5-2
South: 17 HCP, 3-3-3-4 (bal)
West: 5 HCP, 5-3-2-3 (bal)
Bidding Sequence
| S | W | N | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1NT | Pass | 3NT | Pass |
| Pass | Pass |
Final Comments
In 3 no-trumps, we should count our winners so as to better plan the play.
3 spades
3 hearts
2 diamonds
0 clubs.
We seem to be 1 trick short of game.
With good stoppers in the other suits, we should work on the clubs to establish a trick with the 4th card.
As the cards lie, we will make the 4th club, and our contract
Planning
Open 1NT with a balanced 15-17 HCP hand; partner can do the maths, and will know whether the combined HCP are less than game value, good for game, or worth looking for a slam.